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ICC Approves Two Gas Utility Settlements
In a May 26th press release the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) announces that it has approved settlements refunding Peoples Gas, North Shore Gas customers.
Specifically, “the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) approved settlements providing Peoples Gas and North Shore Gas customers relief on their natural gas bills over the next three years. The settlements resolve all contested issues in Peoples’ pending Qualifying Infrastructure Plant (QIP) cases and reconcile costs related to both utilities’ Uncollectible Expense Adjustment (UEA) riders”
“The settlements approved today are a win for Peoples Gas and North Shore Gas customers who can expect to see credits on future gas bills,” said ICC Chairman Doug Scott. “The ICC’s duty is to balance the interests of Illinois’ utilities and their consumers, and these settlements reflect a fair and reasonable process.”
“The first settlement resolves Peoples Gas’ QIP rider reconciliation proceedings from 2017 to 2023 and removes $130 million from Peoples’ delivery base rates. Under the agreement, Peoples Gas will distribute $75 million in bill credits over three years: $25 million in 2026, $25 million in 2027, and $25 million in 2028 to eligible customers. Peoples Gas estimates that eligible customers will average a total refund of $139 over the three years, with bill credits expected to start November 2026. In addition to the rate reduction and refund, the QIP settlement includes a general documentation and bidding procedure for Peoples’ ongoing pipe retirement program for high-risk cast iron and ductile iron pipes.
The second settlement reconciles costs and revenues tied to Peoples and North Shore Gas’ UEA, resulting in a combined $50 million in bill credits over the next three years. North Shore will distribute $500,000 in 2026, $250,000 in 2027, and $250,000 in 2028. Peoples Gas will distribute $24,500,000 in 2026, $12,250,000 in 2027, and $12,250,000 in 2028. Customers receiving a refund will see the adjustment denoted on their bill as “UEA Settlement Adjustment.”
